Yankees sign Canzler to Minor League deal

Utility player Russ Canzler split 2013 between the Orioles and Pirates organizations.(AP)

The New York Yankees have reportedly signed infielder/outfielder Russ Canzler to a Minor League deal, according to Baseball America's Matt Eddy.

Canzler, 27, was on the Yankees' 40-man roster for a spell last winter after being claimed off waivers from Cleveland, but he was designated for assignment (and later claimed by Baltimore) when the Yankees signed Travis Hafner on February 5. He ended up splitting 2013 between the Orioles and Pirates organizations, hitting .252 with 12 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games at the Triple-A level.

A career .274 hitter in the Minors, Canzler has limited Major League experience - just three games with the Rays in 2011 and 26 with the Indians in 2012 - but he has played all four corners and could be a force as a platoon player, as he has hit .307 and 17 home runs in 433 plate appearances against Triple-A lefties over the last three seasons.